Built on the chassis of the Tiger I tank, this intimidating looking "panzerjager" or "tank hunter" vehicle also sported an improved version of the feared 88 mm gun. Although thick-skinned and powerfully armed, it also suffered from poor mobility and a host of mechanical issues that shadowed its early successes against Russian armour on the Eastern Front.

Porsche Sd.Kfz.184 Elefant

Presented to Hitler on March 19th, 1943, the German Panzerjäger or Elefant was originally built under the name Ferdinand, after its designer Ferdinand Porsche. A six man crew operated the 88mm gun mounted on this 70 ton tank. Engines were located in the middle of the hull, which allowed space for the armament at the rear. The Elefant's armor plate was as thick as 8 in. on the front-this helped it flatten obstacles and clear the way for lighter vehicles. The Elefant's extreme firepower/protection ratio gave it an enormous advantage; in "kills per loss," it might have been the most successful "tank destroyer" of the war.

© Copyright 2003-2023 The Flying Mule, Inc.

Forces of Valor's 1:72 scale Elephant Tank is an artful blend of diecast metal and plastic, with plastic used only in those areas requiring maximum detail. The lower portion of the hull is plastic, and two cables and an extra track have been separately applied. Among this model's many moving parts are a pivoting metal gun with detailed muzzle that correctly swings slightly to either side, and detailed wheels and sprockets that spin freely inside the weathered rolling rubber tracks. The gun's casement is diecast metal and there are correctly-rendered maintenance access panels and suspension. As a finishing touch, the entire model is covered with a simulated Zimmerit coating.

© Copyright 2003-2022 The Flying Mule, Inc.

Unimax Forces of Valor

The Unimax "Forces of Valor" range presents affordable, ready-made diecast models of military vehicles.

Unimax "Forces of Valor" diecast vehicles feature:

• Diecast metal construction with some plastic components.
• Rotating turret, elevating cannon and accurate hull.
• Moving tracks on detailed rotating wheels.
• Realistic panel lines, antennas, access panels and surface details.
• Pad printed markings and placards that won't fade or peel like decals.